794A.00/10–1450: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
Gadel 44. With ref Delga 106 Oct. 11 Dept believes Brit draft offers satisfactory basis for Assembly res on item “Question of Formosa”. Fol is modified text of Brit draft with our additions and changes:
“Noting (A) that the signatories to the Cairo Declaration declared it to be one of their purposes that all the territories that Japan had stolen from the Chi, including Formosa and the Pescadores, shld be restored to the Rep of China;
(B) that no formal act restoring sovereignty to China has yet occurred, although at the end of hostilities with Japan the Chi Natl Govt was permitted to assume the administration of the island;
Recognizing that two parties, both Chi, at present claim the right to administer Formosa, that there have been threats of an armed attack on Formosa from the Chi mainland and that Formosa has been used as a base for attacks on the Chi mainland, and that an attempt to settle the dispute by force or the continuance of attacks on the Chi mainland from Formosa wld heighten internatl tension at a time when the situation in the Pacific area is already tense as a result of events in Korea, and wld be prejudicial to the interests of the people of Formosa;
Decides to establish a commission composed of the representatives of (specified states) which, bearing in mind China’s claim, taking into account the interests of the people of Formosa, and giving consideration to the maintenance of peace in the Pacific, shld study the problem and submit a report to the GA containing recommendations for the future of Formosa and the Pescadores. The Commission shld consult all govts, authorities and parties concerned, including both Chi claimants;
Recommends that, pending the study by the Commission and adoption by the GA of recommendations concerning this problem (A) there be no attempt to seek a solution of the status of Formosa by force, (B) Formosa not be used as a base for attacks on the Chi mainland;
Requests both Chi parties to act in conformity with the recommendation in the preceding para;
Recommends to the SC that it consider immediately any action in contravention of (A) or (B) of above recommendation with a view to adopting appropriate measures for the maintenance of internatl peace and security;
[Page 533]Requests all parties to render every possible assistance to the commission in the performance of its tasks.”
In the first operative para beginning with “Decides” insertion of phrase “taking into account the interests of the people of Formosa” is predicated upon our belief that interests of Formosan people shld be mentioned on equal level with China’s claim. In addition to China’s claim and wishes of Formosans broad interest of UN in peace of Pacific area also a factor to be taken into account.
Rephrasing of first recommendation is drafting change designed primarily to define more clearly the period during which that recommendation applies.
Dept believes desirable that first recommendation of Brit draft be further strengthened. With this in mind Dept has added recommendation referring to SC action as warning to those who might violate recommendation to refrain from use of force.
We assume under Brit draft Commission wld have discretion as to when to report. In view of complexity of problem and need for thorough study all aspects, appears doubtful that final report cld be made before Sixth Session GA.
Dept considers composition of commission extremely important and is giving further consideration this subj. Wld tentatively favor US membership.
Dept agrees with USUN officer (Delga 106) that it wld be preferable to have sponsorship of several countries including some recognizing and some not recognizing Chi Commies. We believe that res cld be submitted to Comite as soon as acceptable draft developed and sponsorship question resolved.
Dept wld appreciate ur early comment on foregoing, including suggestions re composition Commission. Suggest also you obtain views UK Del re modified draft, and inform Dept re any comment made by Commonwealth countries to UK Del oil Brit draft.